Bathing Your Newborn Baby
For the first week or so, until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals, it is best to stick to sponge baths with a lukewarm, moistened washcloth. Wash his face and hands frequently and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.
After the umbilical cord stump dries up, falls off and the area heals, you can start giving your newborn tub baths. While a baby is tiny, it makes the most sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub instead of a standard tub. Although some parents bathe their babies every day for the sheer pleasure of it, until a baby is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn’t really necessary more than once or twice a week. When you do bathe your newborn, you may find it a little scary at first. Handling a wiggling, wet, and soapy little creature takes practice and confidence, so stay calm and maintain a good grip on him. Some babies find the warm water very soothing. If this is the case with your baby, let him linger. Others cry through the whole bath. Keeping the bathing room warm can help.
Bath safety
- Never leave your baby unattended, not even for a minute.
- Never put your baby into a tub when the water is still running.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A child can get third-degree burns in less than a minute at 140 degrees.
- Before starting, make sure that you have all the things needed.
- Use mild soap or baby wash and use it sparingly because too much can dry baby’s skin.
- Lotions are usually not necessary. Do not use talcum powder on your baby.
Johnson’s Baby Bath, No More Tears!: Johnson’s Baby Bath, is formulated with neutral pH and is soap-free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist and allergy-tested to clean baby gently, yet effectively. It has our NO MORE TEARS formula that is as gentle to the eyes as pure water. Lathers quickly, rinses easily and completely.
Castile Liquid Soap-Baby Mild (Organic) by Dr. Bronner: Unscented: No Essential Oil A mild, smooth soap for sensitive skin (but still be sure to keep it out of the eyes). Ingredients: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut & Olive oils (w/ retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Citric Acid, Vitamin E.
Earth Mama-Angel Baby Organic Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash: Naturally foaming. Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a gentle castile soap, pure and mild enough to cleanse delicate baby skin and hair. We added just a touch of ultra-safe lavender to help calm your fussy angel baby. And like everything in our baby line, the organic baby shampoo & body wash is made with only organic and natural ingredients. No SLS, parabens or other chemical preservatives, artificial dyes or fragrances. This is not a no-tear formula because it has no anesthetizing ingredients.
Gerber Bare Basics Gift Set: Nurture your bathing beauty with this Bare Basics gift set by Gerber. In addition to skin care products, the plastic storage tote includes 2 washcloths, a walrus bath toy and bath time music. Skin care products include Teeny Faces Moisturizing Stick and a 15-oz. bottle of each Grins & Giggles product: baby wash with lavender, baby lotion with lavender, baby wash, baby shampoo, and vapor bath.
The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub with Sling: All the security, comfort and convenience parents and growing babies need in a tub. Its deep ergonomic design holds baby better for bathing, and parents will love that it fits both single and double sinks. Plus, the mildew-resistant pads make for a cleaner bath and a special drain plug changes color to alert parents if the water is too hot for baby. Mesh sling with padded headrest provides extra comfort and support to cradle even the littlest ones.
Fisher-Price Aquarium Bath Center: The Fisher-Price Aquarium Bath Tub brings a comfortable bath time experience to both babies and parents in three stages of use: Newborn, Infant and Older Infant/Toddler. Each stage has a different washing position and use for the soft sling. The Fisher-Price: Aquarium Bath Tub has soft cushions along the upper lip of the tub, giving parents a comfortable resting position for their arms and wrists. Tub comes with three aquarium-themed toys, including a pouring cup and a toy that sprinkles water.
Summer Infant Mother’S Touch Deluxe Baby Bather: Summer Infant Products Baby Bather Deluxe in Pink Soft pink, girl-themed fashion print Includes deluxe head support Soft fabric sling conforms to your baby Can be used in both tub and undivided kitchen sink 2 position back rest Folds flat for easy storage Removable and machine washable cover.
Summer Infant Bath Time Corner Organizer: Parents are always looking for a convenient and organized way of storing bath accessories and toys during and after bath time. The Summer Infant Bath Tub Corner Organizer neatly fits into the corner of your tub, suctions to the wall and accommodates all your child’s toys. The mesh material let’s toys drip dry without getting anything outside the tub wet.
Tadpoles Basics Navy Gingham Towel with Bath Mitt: Bathe Baby with an ultra-soft touch. This all-cotton towel and bath mitt set will provide baby-friendly comfort during and after bath time. Bath mitt lets you gently scrub Baby clean. Hooded gingham towel provides the perfect after-bath sanctuary. Coordinate with other Tadpoles Basics nursery items (sold separately). 100% cotton. Machine wash.
Summer Infant Turtle Digital Temp Tester: For parents wanting to make sure their child’s water temperature is just right, the Digital Temperature Tester by Summer Infant is the perfect bath accessory. It’s quick, easy and accurate. 10 minute auto shut off to preserve battery life Recalculates water temperature every 10 seconds Large LCD screen Red, yellow, and green LED lights visually show parents if water is too hot, too cold, or just right Self floating and makes a great bath toy as well.